President makes historic visit to Padiyathalawa

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has become the first Head of State to have visited Padiyathalawa, an area coming within the Amapara district in the Eastern Province.

People who warmly welcomed the President yesterday when he toured the area, had told him that he was the first Head of State to have visited the area after King Saddhatissa. President Rajapaksa toured Padiyathalawa in the Ampara district after the area was freed from the scourge of LTTE terrorism.

He began his tour after paying homage to the Sri Maha Bodhiya (a branch of the Sri Maha Bodiya), Padiyadora Raja Maha Viharaya and promised to provide assistance to the temple to complete the construction work of the Dharmashala.

While being with the people of Padiyathalawa, the President appreciated efforts of the children in putting up the Poson Thorana to mark the Poson Poya. He also asked them about their education and paid attention to their problems.

President Rajapaksa also took note of the development work in the area and saw the resurgence in the social and religious fields and the enthusiasm of the people registered in the emerging social milieu.

After visiting Ampara President Rajapaksa went to the Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya to attend the “Dam Ama Sarana” Poson Kalapaya yesterday and also gifted a Buddha Statue after attending religious ceremonies at the Temple.

The President and his delegation also were present at the Bakthi Gee presentation by the three Armed Forces which was organised by “Tharunyata Hetak”.

The Dam Ama Sarana Poson Kalapaya initiated by the Tharunyata Hetak came into operation in the areas of Weeraketiya, Dammulla, Okawela, Beliatta aud Beligalla. It will continue until July 5.

Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Shashindra Rajapaksa and Tharunyata Hetak Association president, Namal Rajapaksa were also present with the President.

President Rajapaksa then paid a visit to the Pantharama Temple at Puvakdandawa, Beliatta and participated in religious ceremonies and watched the Poson Perahera organised by the Temple.